Aldert Vrij and Frans Willem Winkel

Abstract

Differences in nonverbal behavioral
patterns in a simulated police interview setting were examined. One group of
subjects was asked to tell the truth to a police officer whereas the other group was asked
to deceive the officer. Major differences between our study and other deception
studies include the distinction between nonverbal behavior displayed while listening and
while speaking, and the inclusion of black subjects. Results show that there are
differences in nonverbal behavior between deceivers and those who tell the truth, and
generally support the finding that deception is associated with changes in vocal
characteristics and hand and arm movements. However, differences in hand and arm
movements occurred only while the deceiver was listening. Furthermore, findings
showed that blacks looked less frequently at their discussion partner, smiled and laughed
more, made more speech disturbances, spoke slower, and with more pitch raises, and were
livelier in the sense that they made more trunk movements and gestures than whites.